The National Rubber Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMAN), Southwest Zone has charged government particularly Southwest governors to give priority to plantation and production of rubber to boost economy of the nation.
NARPPMAN said no economy in the world can survive without rubber, saying any economy that relegate rubber will depend largely on importation of rubber products which can affect economy of the region.
Speaking in Ibadan at the 5th Odua International Trade Fair, the NARPPMAN Vice President in Southwest, Evang. Oluwatoyin Jeremiah said no crop has high value chain than rubber, adding that rubber plantation and production is capable of giving job to many unemployed Nigerians if fully utilised.
He urged government to give right policies and recognition to rubber, noting that financial institutions must also collaborate with government in giving financial assistance to rubber farmers.
According to him, one of the objectives of the association in Southwest was to eradicate poverty in the region and open eyes of people to the untapped potentials in rubber plantation and production.
Speaking on the 2024 Oodua International Trade Fair, NARPPMAN Vice President said the Trade Fair will give opportunities to Nigerians particularly those in Southwest region to know more about importance of rubber in economy.
“We are here to make government and the people to be aware of importance of rubber so as to eradicate poverty and provide job opportunity for the youths.
“Lets adopt regional system where Obafemi Awolowo used rubber to develop the region. Then, there was no technology and crude oil, but he used agricultural products such as rubber, palm tree, Cocoa and others to develop the region.
“Then, Western region were paying higher salaries than the federal government due to the agricultural business the region engaged in.”
In his remark, NARPPMAN National President, Otunba Peter Igbinoson said youths should be encouraged in plantation and production of rubber, saying it can be a source of livelihood for them if maximize.
